5 Things Mothers of the Bride Can Take Off Their Daughter's Plate

The mother of the bride is a time-honored position in the wedding party. And nowadays, with brides wanting to do most of their own planning, most moms are responsible for a lot less of the wedding than their own mothers were 30 years ago.

1. Make up your guest list in a spreadsheet complete with the correct names, salutations and addresses. Although there may have to be some discussion if you're battling with too big a guest list, providing your daughter with the list prepared for her will be appreciated.

2. Volunteer to help research venues and available dates if the bride and groom are undecided. It takes a lot of Internet research and a lot of phone calls (and waiting for returned calls) to gather all the necessary information to make an informed decision. Remember, though, this does not mean you get to choose the venue.

3. Wedding invitations are time consuming and can be frustrating for a stressed out bride, especially one who is DIYing the wedding. Volunteer to help as much as you can. Offer to have the RSVP cards mailed to your home address and to keep track of the responses and dinner orders for her.

4. Wedding registries require an address for shipping, but lots of young couples don't have a secure location to receive packages while they're at work. If you live nearby, and if you're home more or live in a suburban community where your mailman leaves things with your neighbors and it all works out nicely, suggest your daughter and future son-in-law use your address in the registry in lieu of their own. Just don't open the presents!

5. Take responsibility for the wedding gifts that are brought to the reception. Depending on the size and location of the wedding, this is not a small project. If she's getting married in your hometown, expect to need several vehicles to bring home all the booty the guests have generously gifted in honor of her wedding.

Owner of Weddings in Vieques, a destination-wedding planning company off the coast of Puerto Rico, Sandy Malone has helped countless couples plan their big day since 2007.